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Ilitch makes bid to buy NBA's Pistons
DETROIT, Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Michael Ilitch said Monday he is making a formal bid to acquire the NBA's Detroit Pistons and its related businesses.
Ilitch said in a statement he is concerned by reports that a Las Vegas group is trying to lure the team to that city if public funds can be secured to build a new entertainment complex in Clark County, Nev., the Detroit Free Press reported.
"I really want to see the Pistons remain the Detroit Pistons," the statement said. "We talked about it internally and when you take our 33 years of experience in professional sports ... we decided to take a run at it."
The newspaper said family members have indicated Ilitch is seeking a commitment for new downtown Detroit arena to house both the Pistons and the Red Wings. The NBA team currently plays at the suburban Palace at Auburn Hills and the hockey club at the aging Joe Louis Arena.
The statement indicated Ilitch has formally notified Pistons owner Karen Davidson of his family's interest in buying the club.
DETROIT, Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Michael Ilitch said Monday he is making a formal bid to acquire the NBA's Detroit Pistons and its related businesses.
Ilitch said in a statement he is concerned by reports that a Las Vegas group is trying to lure the team to that city if public funds can be secured to build a new entertainment complex in Clark County, Nev., the Detroit Free Press reported.
"I really want to see the Pistons remain the Detroit Pistons," the statement said. "We talked about it internally and when you take our 33 years of experience in professional sports ... we decided to take a run at it."
The newspaper said family members have indicated Ilitch is seeking a commitment for new downtown Detroit arena to house both the Pistons and the Red Wings. The NBA team currently plays at the suburban Palace at Auburn Hills and the hockey club at the aging Joe Louis Arena.
The statement indicated Ilitch has formally notified Pistons owner Karen Davidson of his family's interest in buying the club.